Go, Grammy, Go!

Today Gram returned to her exercise group. They said it had been an absence of two years. There were still a few souls who remembered her. (All photos are reenactments.)

It took about 15 minutes to drive way out Olive to the new Nazarene church building, but it was easy to find the "gym" we'd been told housed the exercise group. There was a stream of people with weighted cloth bags scurrying from the parking lot into the building.

Inside the big gymnasium, chairs were set out, well space, most with a set of small barbells and a stretchy band laid out on them. This is the way these mighty seniors stake their claim. We found two adjacent chairs in the front row (with the help of a couple regulars).

There were about 50 people there this morning. All apparently had been successful in resetting their clocks over the weekend. We started with a brief social time, where Grace was welcomed back and Polly introduced herself. Then the work out started.

Group members took turns leading sets of related exercises. Gram kept up with the leaders, and Polly tried to figure out what to do next, and to not kick or hit the woman next to her. We worked on every part of the body, from the neck to the feet. It was a good workout.

We hurried right home after to get a hearty snack, although Gram suggested stopping to visit a friend, Kay Griggs Young.
Maybe next time, when we've planned better. We were gone about and hour and a half. We want to go earlier on Wednesday so we have more time to visit.

When we got home, we warmed up some soup and had it with an apple and crackers. Here is the short recipe for this easy, very nutritious soup.

Sweet potatoes or yams
Onion, red or yellow
Ginger root
Broth
Lemon, lime or orange juice about 1 scant teaspoon to 1 cup veggies or to taste
Fat free 1/2 & 1/2
Protein powder (like the body builders use)

Peel and cut veggies coarsely, almost cover with broth, and boil until very tender. Puree with hand blender or food processor. Add FF 1/2 & 1/2 till it's the desired consistency. Mix in protein powder and serve. I've been adding protein powder to individual servings, about a tablespoon per serving, and we have about half a cup at a time. This is a good snack to just drink from a mug. Yummy! Not very strongly flavored; add seasonings as you want.

Spring on Rocky Hill?

Polly came home to a wonderful surprise: spring is on its way!


Every year, when the temperature drops and the first precious drops of rain fall (we've had more than 1/2 inch in October!), the brittle golden fields are taken over by tiny shoots of next year's grasses. At first you barely notice it, unless the pasture is grazed clean, but soon dried stalks are pushed away to make way for the unbelievable growth of the lush green ground cover. It always seems like it comes over night.This year it came while I was out of town. So here are the fall colors of the Central Valley. Hope you're enjoying your hometown, no matter what this season brings you.

WasThe Honeymoon Over So Soon?

Well, Grolly survived the first separation of any length since out melding in late July. Polly went to Oregon and Washington to experience fall, and Gram held down the fort and entertained some guests. Polly, Phillip and Abby set off on Oct. 14 for the Mena home. After a little skidding on I-5 right past the Oregon border, they arrived under cover of darkness.

Here the car, Dusty, is held securely in place on the runaway truck ramp after hitting black ice. If you're ever in Ashlan, we highly recommend Allstar 24-Hour Towing.

The next morning the Pacific Northwest came through, putting on a brilliant display of color. I think it was one of the best falls I've seen there, and I got to enjoy it fully -- including a trip down the Columbia on a paddle-wheel steamer.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, Gram was entertaining Gale. When Gale needed to return to Sonora, Gram hosted Beth and the Boys on their Valley Tour. It was workie-time on Rocky Hill, with Gram much appreciative of all Tina, George, Gale and Beth were able to accomplish to make her life more comfortable.

Polly got back on the 27th of October, and the next post may feature the spring-like look that had taken over in Porterville in her absence.

It's so good to see family and friends. The time always passes too quickly, but we take away memories and renewed confidence and energy. Thank you to everyone for standing by us both.

Workey Days

It was another hot dry weekend in Porterville -- perfect conditions for some heavy outdoor work, or for sitting on the stoop moving the jawbone.

Sunday George and Tina were up at Grams early in the morning to do some much needed work on trees and bushes.

Monday Phillip came for a general work day, mostly helping Polly move her overflow into a rented storage building. Neighbor Jim Day brought his red truck and helpful nature, too. We got a lot done, and it was nice to see all our neighbors and kin!

Thursday doings

Hey Everyone! Polly's move is complete, but she's still disorganized. We've been wanting to get going with blogging now that high-speed internet has been activated. Instead of doing a re-cap of the last two months, we're just going to jump right in with a post about yesterday like we'd been blogging all along.

On Thursday, 9/17, Gram got a nice note from granddaughter Natalie with a very appropriate Bible verse: From Joshua 1:9

"I command you; be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Aging takes a lot of courage, you betcha!

We also had a visit from Gale on her way to Santa Maria to see Allison and Cari and their families. Cari had come to move the dollhouse Gram built in 1981 on August 23. This is a photo of her and daughter Cailly lifting it from its base. Great to see you Gale and to catch up on your news.

Gram and Polly went to the monthly meeting of the United Methodist Women at Gram's church. It was a small group -- less than 15 people. Big talk about the upcoming bazaar. We'll be baking four pies! When we can, we go visit a group of women working on bazaar crafts on Wednesday mornings.

We sat next to Gram's friend Luellen White, and she gave us some great advice about eating to manage Gram's hypoglycemia. Also, from the internet, we got some information about how sodium helps sustain sugar levels and a fiber supplement may be helpful. They encouraged trying to identify specific foods that seem to trigger hypoglycemic episodes. This is an interesting way to look at what eating might be problematic in general. We've been talking this morning about when Gram consistently has episodes: late afternoon/early evening. I can focus now on what we can do better in the afternoon. Do you have any good tips for managing blood sugar?

More Sept. 5, 2009

Taking a rest at sitting rock.

Sept 5, 2009

At the start of the ascent.

Gram P on Rocky Hill

Saturday, Sept 5, Gram suggested we hike up to Grampa Powell's memorial stone. As you can see, we made it. It was a steep climb, and there were times I wondered if we had both lost our marbles to attempt such a thing, but we enjoyed the view and remembered the first time we came to Rocky Hill. Gram fell in love with it immediately and knew that someday she would live in the stucco shooting range on this rugged hill.

Polly's D'Parture Party

When Polly told TK & Bill she was moving to Porterville, they offered to host a farewell party. The date was set for July 18th, Polly got together a list of friends, and it was Party On!

It was a beautiful, warm day in Sherwood, and the festivities spread outside. There was food, drink and conversation. Here Sam Caruso discovers the magic folding bench/picnic table combination and demonstrates its functionality to Elinore Howe, Dr. Sarah, Ron, and Cathy Nuno.

Meanwhile, back in the house, Heather Graziano signs the much-acclaimed master work "Polly: The Portland Years," a book in pictures and prose, by TK & Bill. Adam holds Olivia back from the buffet table with Vanessa's encouragement. And Doug and Beverly scout the scene for their directorial debut in a cinematic short featuring Polly's rear.

In the living room, Cathy Howe and Sam Caruso help Patt Watson pick a miniature painting to take home as her party favor. Polly and Abby hold court; Heather joins her Goldy in wishing Abby all the best in her new adventure.

Later Abby says goodbye to Sarah.
Gross, huh? Although parting is sad, Polly and Sarah focus on all the wonderful times they've shared, and as they share a farewell hug...is that -- yes, I believe Sarah's tail is actually wagging!

I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement. Thank you, thank you to everyone who was able to come to my party. If you couldn't make it, I know you were there in spirit.

Over the last twelve years I've come to love the Pacific Northwest: the four seasons, the drama of the coastline, the comforting presence of Mt. Hood, the weirdness of Portland, the sudden crystalline sun break, the sting of cold mist on my cheek, and maybe most of all the curiously courteous drivers. But my greatest gift have been the friends, old and new, I have gathered here.

As I set off on my next adventure I will miss you all and think of you often. The difficulty of leaving Oregon will make imperative that I succeed in all my new endeavors. I'm excited about spending precious time with my mother, reconnecting with family, painting a lot, and introducing Abby to the Hollywood lifestyle of California. Help me keep in touch. I'll see you on my visits back to my adopted home.

FIRST ENTRIES IN RECIPE CONTEST

We have two official entries in the recipe contest and a bunch more still to be road tested. Better get yours going!

At HyNoon this week the word has been "quinoa" as in that vegetarian miracle food, the diet staple of ancient Peru. We cooked 2 cups in 4 cups of vegetable broth, and eaten it a couple different ways, coming up with some great small meal ideas for Gram. Quinoa cooks quickly, and is a seed that looks like tiny little sprouts when cooked. It's loaded with protein and is a good source of calcium.

TK's Fabulous Quinoa Wrap

1/4 c traditional quinoa cooked in vegetable broth
1 T cubed avocado
1 T cubed tomato
1/2 t lemon juice
Pepper to taste
Fajita size High Fiber wrap

Heat the wrap in the microwave about 20 seconds, till it's flexible. Put quinoa in the middle of wrap, top with other ingredients. Roll the wrap like a burrito, and YUM!

This small meal has about 325 calories, but it has 16 grams of dietary fiber and about 7 grams of protein.

Corn, beans, olives, salsa, cheese all would be tasty additions to this wrap.

A few miles away at Casa Hering, the word is "Gorp." In keeping with the theme of the recipe contest, this is a snack that can store and travel, and I think Gram P. will flip for it. Made with granola and peanut butter, this gorp has over 5g protein and 2.7g fiber in 1/2 cup.

Cammie's Peanut Butter-Granola Gorp

1/4 c peanut butter
1//4 c maple-flavored syrup
1 c low-fat granola
32 tiny pretzels, crushed
Cooking spray
1/2 c golden raisins
1/2 c dried cranberries

Microwave peanut butter & maple syrup 30 seconds until hot; stir well. Place granola & pretzels in large bowl; pour in peanut butter mixture and stir to coat. Spread mixture on baking tray coated with cooking spray and bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes, stirring twice. Stir in raisins and cranberries. Return pan to oven. Turn oven off; cool mixture in closed oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before storing p 1/2 cup individual servings in little zip-lock bags. (We'll have to see how sticky this gets in a car in the Porterville heat.)

I'm currently perfecting my tri-color deviled eggs, with no cholesterol and more protein than you can shake a rubber chicken at. Just let your imagination work on it!

DEAR ABBY

At the end of July, I, Polly, will be moving from Portland, OR to Porterville, CA to stay with Gram P. I will be bringing some furniture, my paints, this blog...and a sensitive, gentle dog named Abby. Some of you have met Abby, some of you know her well, but to most of you this is your chance to MEET ABBY.

Abby is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, born in 2004. She is quite typical of that breed, in appearance, temperment and many behaviors. She'll be nice company for me and a good addition to the household. She is a submissive dog and will get along well with Ding.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, or Wheatens, have hair instead of fur (like poodles) so they don't shed much. Many people with allergies choose them for pets because of this. Abby's coat will pick up more pieces of pasture weeds than short-haired dogs, so I'll have to be very careful about letting her outside. My plan is to install a pen with artificial turf made for dogs.

When you come to visit, here are some things to know about Abby. If you point and say the word "Go" in an authoritative voice, she will go away from you in the direction in which you point. If she's bugging you, tell her "I'm eating," (or "he/she's eating if she's bugging someone else), and she will move away and not look at you. She knows the commands "Come," and "Sit," and "Down" for her means to lay down. She knows "Stay." She also responds to common hand signals for these commands. Use a deep, authoritative voice to get the best response.

Abby is sensitive and easily frightened. If she is scolded, she will want to hide. She doesn't like loud or sudden noises, too much quick movement, or arguing or fighting - even on tv. Her only reaction if she's scared is to leave the area where the people are or to move under a table or chair.

Abby jumps straight up off the ground when she's excited in the classic "Wheaten Greetin'." She usually won't touch you, but this could be scary for a little child. She's very friendly and loves everyone. She likes to lick, but knows she's not to and will cut it out if told. She's very excited around children, but hasn't been around them much and is not a dog who plays. No chasing balls or tug of war; Abby just doesn't care. It's probably wise to have close adult supervision for preschoolers at least.

Abby is a clean, dignified house dog, so if you are visiting us, you will be visiting her, too. Rule Number One of being a good friend to Abby is that she has food allergies. PLEASE, NO TABLE SCRAPS OR TREATS! I have to watch what she eats carefully, or she gest violently sick. I'm sure you'll enjoy Abby's wet kisses and exuberance just as much as I do.

Gram P's I-NO-LONGER-LIVE-TO-EAT-I-JUST-EAT-TO-LIVE Snack Contest

To kick off Gram P’s blog, we’re having a contest with fantastic prizes. Send in your best recipe for a snack to stave off her low blood sugar, and you could win an item from Polly’s superstar stash of cool junk! It’s guaranteed to be something you’ll love (maybe with an armadillo theme?), chosen specifically for our winners!

Here’s how it works: The goal is to keep Grandma’s blood sugar at a nice consistent level all day, so it means lots of snacks that are low in refined carbs (sugar) and high in complex carbs (like whole grains) and protein (like dairy, nuts, beans, meat or Ensure.)

Here's a quick quiz: In the picture to the right are crudite. How do you say that?

Try out your recipe on your friends and family, and if they survive, e-mail it to us at grolly.p@gmail.com so we can sample it, too. Judges will be Gram, Polly, Ding and special guest judges. Winners will have their recipe and photos posted on this blog and be mailed their fantastic prize.

Remember, Gram has very little taste and doesn’t smell so good either, so judging will be heavily weighted toward Texture, Temperature and Time. Think crunchy, chewy, smooth, creamy. Give her a frosty cold smoothie on a sweltering day or a toasty warm snack for evening. And if you’ve met her, you know about speed. Make it fast, eat it on the run, have a half dozen made up ahead of time to really save a minute or two. It will be a bonus if your snack can travel in a purse or survive in the car for days.

Be bold, be creative, get your recipe to us by August 10th to be entered in the contest. Your snack could save Grandma from an embarrassing and dangerous lapse, or could just be another tasty morsel for Polly to gobble up. Remember, Ding and Polly are supposed to be watching their waistlines, and they are judges, so they’ll be looking for any high-calorie delicious ingredients
(b-r-i-b-e-s) in your snacks.

Now here's another quiz:

Gram's doctor says she's to eat every
2 to 2.5 hours. If she gets up at 7:30 a.m.
and goes to bed at 10 p.m., how many
meals and snacks should she have in a
day? See why we're looking for lots of
yummy snack ideas?